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ALL News Allstate Claims Experts Offer Tips for Avoiding a Run in with Our Forest Friends

IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November 4^th marks the start of deer season in Texas, and according to Allstate Insurance Company that means more chance of having a run-in with nature. According to Allstate claim experts, accidents involving animals increase dramatically this time of year.

“During the fall, deer are more abundant and more active and we see a huge increase in accidents that involve drivers hitting an animal,” says Allstate Auto Claim Process Expert Mike Calkins. “In fact, this time of year these types of claims more than double in Texas compared to any other time of year.”

Last year, Allstate reported more than 2,000 “hit an animal” claims in the fourth quarter in Texas, compared to approximately 700 similar claims in the prior quarter and 2,500 claims in the first three quarters combined. Calkins says hitting something as large as a deer can also cause quite a bit of damage, with an average claim costing between $2,000 and $2,500.

To avoid hitting an animal in the road, Allstate says drivers should be extra cautious at dawn and dusk, especially on two-lane and rural roads, and be sure to reduce speed when encountering deer crossing signs. Deer often travel in groups, so if one deer crosses the road, be on the alert for others that may follow. On a dark road, drivers should be on the lookout for the reflection of their vehicle’s headlights in the eyes of a deer or other animal. If an animal does "freeze" in the glare of the lights, driver should apply their brakes, and turn lights off, then on again. Also, try not to swerve – as this could cause the vehicle to go into a ditch or oncoming traffic.

If you do hit an animal in the road, Allstate says, contact the police, remain calm, and call your insurance company to file a claim.

Now celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the founding of Allstate Insurance Company, The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate^®” slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,100 exclusive agencies and financial professionals in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate^®. Encompass^SM and Deerbrook^® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.